Adelita Grijalva Introduces Bill Updating Supplemental Security Income Benefits

Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) is introducing legislation to update and strengthen Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

The SSI program provides a monthly amount of supplemental income to Americans age 65 or older, the blind, and the disabled if their income is found insufficient to meet basic needs, with $2,000 and $3,000 a month for individuals and couples, respectively.

8 million Americans rely on the program.

These financial amounts have not been updated since 1974, when the program was introduced, and Rep. Grijalva, along with 30 other members of Congress, is seeking to raise the amount and expand its reach.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act increases the payout to $10,000 per individual and $20,000 for couples, increases the benefit rate to 100% of the federal poverty level, and expands access to U.S. territories such as Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, among other updates.

"For millions of seniors, people with disabilities, and families raising children with high needs, Supplemental Security Income is the last line of defense against poverty," Rep. Grijalva said in a press release. "The program has not been meaningfully updated since the 1970s, forcing people to live far below the poverty line just to qualify for help."

"The SSI Restoration Act will finally modernize this lifeline by increasing benefit levels, updating outdated asset limits, and eliminating punitive rules that trap people in poverty. Our seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers deserve the dignity and security that this program was always meant to provide," she added.

In November, Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) celebrated the Social Security Administration's announcement that it dropped plans to change who qualifies for disability benefits.

"Good news: This week, the Trump Administration backed off plans to kick thousands of seniors off their disability benefits," said Rep. Stanton on social media. "I will always fight to protect Arizonans' hard-earned Social Security."